In order to address the need for an inclusive physical education curriculum in schools, LeapStart, a Sports and Physical Education program under the umbrella of FitKids Education and Training, has introduced LeapStart-Adapted Physical Education across schools in India, apt for both children with or without disabilities.
The program, which has been modified to ensure that kids with physical disability get the same quality of physical education as others, underscores the fact that every child has the basic right to physical education too. Children with disabilities or special needs get access to academic education but there are occasions where they are hardly encouraged or entertained when it comes to physical education. Kishen Whabi, program director of FitKids said, “Research has shown that students experience a higher level of success while in physical education classes. We believe that the same is true for kids with special needs and hence we decided to adapt our physical education program to suit their requirements.”
The program has found acceptance from institutions like Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Lady Andal, Sherwood Hall in Chennai, JG LB Nagar in Hyderabad, SM Shetty in Mumbai, St. George in Delhi and Doon International School in Punjab among others. As part of FitKids’ CSR initiative, the LeapStart program was provided to the Association of People with Disability– Shradhanjali Integrated School, where the kids had an opportunity to take part in sport and physical education. “Students who were enrolled in the program have experienced personal adaptations and a more defined class structure. Most importantly, the program provides students with opportunities to increase their confidence in a physical activity setting,” said Aditya Kaura, co-founder of FitKids.